Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease of unknown cause which is unresponsive to current therapy. This study builds on recent work by this group highlighting the importance of a cell signalling molecule called STAT3 in the development of this disease. In particular, two cell types that utilise STAT3 signalling, epithelial cells and B cells, will be examined to see if blocking their STAT3 responses could be a novel therapeutic approach.
Functional Characterisation Of Novel Metabolites In Asthma And Identification Of New Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,922.00
Summary
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that represents a major health burden. Severe asthma represents 10% of those suffering the disease and poses an urgent problem due to exacerbations and resistance to current therapies. We have conducted the first study of the metabolites that are altered in the airways of patients with severe asthma and identified functional metabolites and disease biomarkers. We now aim to assess the function of these molecules in asthma disease models.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Cell Communication; Towards New Therapeutic Targets For Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$794,596.00
Summary
Fibrosis causes disability and death with millions of people affected each year. Current treatments are limited and there is a need to better understand the changes that drive fibrosis. In this study we will investigate how cells communicate to initiate and drive fibrosis. Using readily available drugs we will test new ways to alter cell communication to stop the disease and thus, develop a common and effective therapy that will change the future for people living with fibrosis.
Immune Recognition Of Upper Airway Microbiota In Early Life As A Determinant Of Respiratory Health In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,135,837.00
Summary
The study will investigate the impact of respiratory infections during infancy on lung & immune function & respiratory health between 3-7 years of age. Children were previously enrolled in a population based birth cohort study (ORChID study) which collected detailed information about the respiratory health during the first 2 years of life with daily respiratory diary & weekly nasal swab collection. In this study lung function & immune function will be assessed annually in the same children (3-7)
Antiviral Defects Of The Airway Epithelium Associated With Wheeze And Atopy In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,571.00
Summary
Asthma affects 10-15% of Australian. Repeated respiratory viral infections increase the risk of developing asthma, and are also the principal cause of asthma attacks. Asthmatics may be more susceptible to respiratory viral infections due to a defect in the innate antiviral response to infection. Here we aim to identify defects in the antiviral response of children who are at risk of developing asthma, and understand how they occur so that future therapies may be developed.
Airway Epithelial Injury And The Innate Lymphoid Cell Response In The Pathogenesis Of Allergic Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,559.00
Summary
Exposure to airborne particulate pollutants appears to contribute both to the development of childhood asthma and to acute severe attacks of asthma. We will investigate the mechanisms involved, using mouse models of childhood asthma and of asthma exacerbations. In particular, we will focus on the potentially critical role of a newly described population of host defence cells, and how these are activated as a result of injury of the lining cells of the airways.
It has recently become apparent that we all make a substance in the lungs called nitric oxide. The amount that we make is increased in diseases such as allergic asthma. This project will study the connection between the allergen being inhaled and the excess nitric oxide being made by cells in the lung. From this research we will have a better understanding of the processess involved and develop better therapies for asthma.
Role Of Amnion Derived Stem Cells In Reducing Lung Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,485.00
Summary
Human amniotic epithelial multipotential cells from the term placenta are being studied in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema to demonstrate their anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, immune-suppresive and lung repair capability. The availability and numbers of these cells from discarded placentas at birth are unlimited and their potential to repair serious lung disease would have strong clinical interest as a new stem cell therapy.
Is MUC1 A Viable Therapeutic Target For Patients With The Asbestos-induced Tumour Malignant Mesothelioma?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,068.00
Summary
The deadly asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma is continuing to kill tens of thousands of people each year. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. We are investigating the use of a specific marker, called MUC1, to improve mesothelioma diagnosis. Improved diagnosis will reduce the time taken to commence treatment. It will also reduce hospital costs and the number of surgical procedures a patients must undergo.
Exposure Of Bronchial Epithelial Cells To Inflammatory Stimuli Impairs Their Innate Immune Response To Rhinovirus.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,966.00
Summary
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common respiratory conditions in Australia, both of these conditions are characterised by acute attacks precipitated by respiratory virus infections. The most common trigger for these acute attacks is the usually innocuous common cold virus, rhinovirus. The reason for this susceptibility remains poorly understood. We have previously shown that the cells lining the airways of asthmatics are more susceptible to infection with rhi ....Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common respiratory conditions in Australia, both of these conditions are characterised by acute attacks precipitated by respiratory virus infections. The most common trigger for these acute attacks is the usually innocuous common cold virus, rhinovirus. The reason for this susceptibility remains poorly understood. We have previously shown that the cells lining the airways of asthmatics are more susceptible to infection with rhinovirus and fail to react to this infection effectively. We propose to further elucidate this defect and for the first time determine if it is also present in subjects with COPD. We will examine the airway cells of subjects with asthma and COPD and look for evidence of a defective immune response, relating this to the presence of persistent bacterial infection. We will then grow these and infect them with rhinovirus, carefully examining the mechanisms behind this impaired response to infection and then see if we can induce such impairment in these cells with chronic exposure to infection and inflammatory stimuli. Our laboratory is well placed to investigate these problems with an established track record in investigating patients with inflammatory airways disease and virus infection, unparalleled access to sufficient well characterised clinical samples and have demonstrated the ability to study virus epithelial cell interactions. This work will highlight those at risk of developing frequent debilitating exacerbations along with the reasons for this and identify areas to target novel therapeutic interventions.Read moreRead less